ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Cabinet
Cabinet approves Laying Down Procedure and Mechanism for Asset Monetization of CPSEs/PSUs/other Government Organizations and Immovable Enemy Properties
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved laying down of institutional framework for monetization of identified non-core assets of the CPSEs under Strategic Disinvestment and assets relating to immovable enemy property under the custody of Custodian of Enemy Property for India , MHA as per Section IV of Section 8-A of the Enemy Property Act, 1968. The institutional framework for monetization of the assets is also available for use to monetize other CPSEs, PSUs, other Government organizations and loss making/sick CPSEs.
The multi-layer institutional mechanism envisages constituting of Alternative Mechanism, Core Group of Secretaries on Asset Monetization and Inter-Ministerial Group as main decision bodies.
The exact model for monetization of any particular asset and model contact documents shall be approved by the competent authority based on the recommendations of the technical consultants, respective Administrative Ministry, CPSEs, NITI Ayog etc.
The independent External Monitor set up for Strategic Disinvestment shall oversee the process of asset monetization as well. The approved framework shall be reviewed after a period of two years for instituting any change including delegations on financial limits, if required.
President's Secretariat
Rashtrapati Bhavan celebrates the fourth International Yoga Day
The 4th International Yoga Day was celebrated at Rashtrapati Bhavan today  with a yoga demonstration. More than 500 officers, staff of Rashtrapati Bhavan and their family members as well as residents of the President’s Estate participated in the event.
The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, who is on the State Visit of Suriname will also participate in the International Yoga Day celebration along with the President of Suriname and other dignitaries in Paramaribo, Suriname today at 0700 .
Ministry of Defence
CNS VISIT TO CAMPBELL BAY
The Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Karambir Singh, PVSM, AVSM, ADC, visited INS Baaz, the Naval Air Station located at Campbell Bay, Great Nicobar Island on 13 November 2020. The visit was aimed to express solidarity with personnel on the occasion of Deepawali.
The CNS was received by Lieutenant General Manoj Pande, AVSM, VSM, Commander-in-Chief Andaman & Nicobar Command . He was briefed on the operational preparedness and infrastructure aspects of the Command, including readiness in the prevalent security scenario.
During his interaction with personnel at INS Baaz, the CNS acknowledged their contribution in keeping the strategically important base operational at all times. Personnel from Indian Army, Indian Air Force, Coast Guard, DSC and GREF, as well as Defence civilians were present during this occasion.
The geo-strategically located Air Station, INS Baaz, overlooks critical International Sea Lanes passing through the IOR.
The Airbase supports operations of a multitude of military aircraft, which enable surveillance over the Southern Bay of Bengal, South Andaman Sea, Malacca Straits and the Southern Indian Ocean.
INS Baaz provides Aid to Civil Authorities, including Casualty Evacuation, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief and Search and Rescue and also serves as a supporting base for operational turn-around facilities of ships deployed in the Nicobar Group of Islands.
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ABBB/VM/ MS 91/20
(Visitor Counter : 817
Ministry of Development of North-East Region
Nepali community delegation calls on Dr Jitendra Singh
A delegation of Nepali community, represented by “Nepali Sanskriti Parishad” and led by its President Shri Ashok Chaurasia, called on the Union Minister of State  for Development of North Eastern Region , MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh here today and sought his intervention for redressal of some issues facing the community.
The members of the delegation apprised Dr Jitendra Singh that in NCR Delhi itself, there is about 35 lakh pollution of Nepali community, whereas in whole of India, the population is over 2.25 crore, out of which around one crore are non-residents working in India. This, they said, is a huge number, considering the fact that the total population of Nepal is just about 3.5 crore which also includes several of the non-Nepali residents.
The Nepali community, according to Shri Chaurasia, has always enthusiastically participated in mainstream activities. The members of delegation also submitted documents to the Minister relating to the broadcast of All India Radio news bulletin in Nepali language.
Dr Jitendra Singh gave a patient hearing to the members of delegation and said that the nation is proud of the contribution made by the community in the social and cultural life of India. Describing it as a highly patriotic and brave community, he said, the members of the community have made a very valuable contribution to the Indian Army and Paramilitary Forces, and have served the nation in the most difficult times. The stories of their bravery, valour and patriotism are an example for others, he added.
Dr Jitendra Singh assured Shri Chaurasia and others that he will take up the issues raised by them with the concerned departments.
He said that he has also received a request to set up an educational institution by Nepali community in Sikkim with the funding from the Ministry of DONER.
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
Cabinet approves Re-structuring of the Agricultural Scientists' Recruitment Board 
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the proposal for restructuring of Agricultural Scientists'Recruitment Board .
Details:
- The ASRB will now be a 4 Member body instead of 3 Members. It will have a Chairperson and 3 Members.
- ASRB would be for a period of three years or till attainment of 65 years of age, whichever is earlier.
- For the purpose of autonomy, secrecy, accountability and efficient functioning ASRB shall be delinked from ICAR and to be attached with Deptt. of Agricultural Research & Education  under Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare.
- The budget head for ASRB may also be delinked from ICAR and be created under DARE, and the ASRB may have its own cadre of administrative staff in the secretariat and have independent administrative control.
Impact:
The four Member body comprising of one Chairperson and three Members would help in expediting the work and functioning of ASRB. It would support in expediting therecruitment process which would be beneficial for the agrarian community andagriculture at large. Moreover, it will ensure more transparency and efficiency in recruitment of meritorious scientists to various scientific positions in lCAR, the premier agency for agricultural research and education in the country.
Background:
In November 1973, the Cabinet approved inter alia setting up of Agricultural Scientists'Recruitment Board with a whole-time Chairman, to function as an independent recruitment agency in recruitment to various scientific positions in Agricultural Research Service and Research Management Positions of ICAR/DARE. In view of the significant increase in work load of ASRB a proposal was initiated for restructuring of the Board, and the Cabinet approved the proposal in October 1986 by increasing the membership from one to three of ASRB. Since the last restructuring of ASRB in 1986, the work load of ASRB have substantially increased and significant changes have occurred in the field of agricultural science, and hence, there was a need to enlarge the composition of the board and to expand the zone of expertise to choose the Chairman and Members of the Board.
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
Government of India extends relaxations to private and commercial establishments
Chandigarh, April 25, 2020
The Government of India has extended relaxations in the category of private and commercial establishment under the consolidated revised guidelines to fight COVID-19, allowing opening of all shops registered under Shops & Establishment Act of respective States/ UTs. These include shops in residential complexes, neighbourhood & standalone shops in areas not included in hotspots/containment zones. The order, issued by Ministry of Home Affairs, while making distinction of relaxations between rural and urban areas clarified that all shops in rural areas, except those in shopping malls, are allowed to open. Whereas all standalone shops, neighbourhood shops & shops in residential complexes in urban areas are allowed to open, except those in markets/market complexes and shopping malls.
Those shops like restaurants, salons and barber shops providing services would remain closed as relaxations pertain only to shops selling items. The e-commerce companies will continue to be permitted for essential goods only while the sale of liquor and other items continues to be prohibited as specified in the National Directives for COVID-19 management.
The order complements the efforts of the Government of India to bring relief to the public reeling under the lockdown till 3rd May, 2020. As agricultural season at its full swing in the region especially in states of Haryana and Punjab, permitted manufacturing activities have also resumed and workers involved are complying with the necessary precautions while on work. No doubt it has provided succour to the workers like Baldev. Based in Haryana, he expressed gratitude to the Government of India as it has enabled him to get back to work spending his time productively.
https://twitter.com/PIBChandigarh/status/1253983799458893826 
https://twitter.com/PIBChandigarh/status/1253989429607202824?s=09 
As agricultural and related activities are also allowed, it is a reassuring sight as wheat procurement is in full swing in the grain markets of Punjab. Coach building work has also started at Kapurthala Railway Coach Factory with 50% workforce working in shifts taking prescribed precautions.
https://twitter.com/PIBChandigarh/status/1253991403606077441?s=09 
https://twitter.com/PIBChandigarh/status/1253915870776250369 
To ensure that no one is left behind in India’s fight against COVID-19, the Government of India announced a relief package under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana last month to help the poor to cope up with the effects of lockdown. Madhu, a beneficiary of relief package, of Panchkula said she has received a LPG cylinder under Ujjwala Yojana. She also said her husband who has not been able to earn his daily wage thanking the Government for the needed help.
https://twitter.com/PIBChandigarh/status/1253567247823536128?s=09
Ministry of Women and Child Development
NIPCCD organizes Training Programme on ‘Psycho-Social Care and Counselling of Distressed Women’ for Functionaries of One Stop Centres and Shelter Homes/Women Helpline at NIPCCD Regional Centre, Guwahati
National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child Development  organized a Training Programme on ‘Psycho-Social Care and Counselling of Distressed Women’ for Functionaries of One Stop Centres  and Shelter Homes/Women Helpline from 4 to 6 July, 2023 at NIPCCD Regional Centre, Guwahati.
One. Stop Centres  are intended to support women affected by violence, in private and public spaces, within the family, community and at the workplace. One Stop Centres across the country, are providing integrated services, including police, medical and legal counselling to women in distress.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Union Health Ministry engages with all States/UTs to review the preparation of World Blood Donor Day on 14th June
Campaign slogan for this year's World Blood Donor Day - "Donating blood is an act of solidarity. Join the efforts and save lives"
E-Raktkosh, a digital platform to serve as the Blood Centre/Laboratory interface. All remaining blood banks asked to register on E-raktkosh
States/UTs suggested to increase awareness about need of regular non-remunerated voluntary blood donations
The Union Health Ministry virtually organized a meeting with all States/UTs to review the preparation of ‘World Blood Donor Day ’, an opportunity to thank blood donors for their act of saving lives through voluntary blood donation. This year the WBDD is going to be observed on 14th June 2022. The campaign slogan for this year's World Blood Donor Day is "Donating blood is an act of solidarity. Join the efforts and save lives".
Reiterating the importance of World Bank Blood Donor Day, the Union Health Secretary urged all States/UTs to increase awareness about need of regular non-remunerated voluntary blood donations, highlight need for committed, year-round blood donation, to maintain adequate supplies and achieve universal and timely access to safe blood transfusion, to build a sustainable and resilient national blood system, to ensure that everyone who needs transfusion has access to safe blood as country needs voluntary, unpaid blood donors who donate blood regularly.
He also suggested States/UTs to maximize registration of willing blood donors along with optimal blood collection  and to felicitate blood donors & pledge ceremony at block, district and gram panchayat level, administered by Sarpanch. District Collector/District Magistrate will supervise activities in the district. It was also suggested that the pledge for blood donation in both physical events and through digital platforms can be carried out.
For smooth facilitation of the activities which will be carried out on the occasion, the States/UTs were advised to provide proper facility for blood group testing on 14th June, 2022 at all Primary Health Centres /Community Health Centres  and Sub-district & District hospitals and other blood banks as per feasibility. The Union Health Secretary also urged them to help the common citizens to know their blood group which will be useful in emergencies for the purpose of blood donation. It will also promote registration of blood donors and create awareness.
Steps that need to be followed for Donor registration through Arogya Setu and its linking with E-Raktkosh: -
- Registration of volunteers for blood donation would be enabled on the Co-WIN portal.
- E-Raktkosh to serve as the Blood Centre/Laboratory interface. All remaining blood banks asked to register on E-raktkosh.
- Blood donation certificate generated on E-Raktkosh by blood bank after donation is completed and certificate would be made available to volunteer through Arogya Setu.
- The donors should have access to a list of nearby Blood Centres as well as upcoming Blood Donation Camps on Co-WIN portal/Arogya Setu for easy accessibility.
IFSC Authority
Commencement of IFSCA-GNLU Certification Course
Shri. Injeti Srinivas, Chairperson, International Financial Services Centres Authority  today launched Certification Course on “Financial Market Laws with Special Emphasis of Their Applicability in IFSCs”. The certificate course is being conducted by Gujarat National Law University  under the aegis of IFSCA.
While launching the course Chairperson, IFSCA gave a panoramic view of the importance of IFSCs in the context of global as well as domestic financial sector. In his speech he touched upon important topics such as significance of green finance in the backdrop of Climate change and its role in achieving Sustainable Development Goals. He further stressed that the IFSC has the capability to attract global capital which is required for the economic growth of India for achieving the sustainable development goals and sought cooperation of all stakeholders in achieving this. He also stated that IFSCA Act is a step in the right direction to give huge imputes to India’s growth.
The speech also covered the extraordinary powers under IFSCA Act, 2019 which signifies the importance given by the Parliament to the unified regulator IFSCA in making India a major destination for the investors and developing it as a truly global financial centre. He also shed light on the genesis of IFSC in India and how IFSCA has strived to develop financial institutions, financial products and financial services in the last one year.
He categorically emphasized that the success of IFSCs would not only rely on the role of the regulator, but it must also be complemented by all the stakeholders in promoting and providing greater exposure for IFSCs, which would also be achieved by imparting knowledge to various stakeholders. In his concluding remarks, he exemplified that the academic outreach by this course from GNLU under the aegis of IFSCA is a steppingstone in this direction.
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
The rate of inflation for pulses in February, 2023 was 4.09%, lower than Consumer Food Price Index
The Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha that, Retail food inflation, measured by the Consumer Food Price Index  brought out by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation , has declined from 8.60 percent in September, 2022 to 5.95 per cent in February, 2023. The rate of inflation for pulses in February, 2023 was 4.09% which is lower than .
The Department of Consumer Affairs monitors the retail and wholesale prices of essential food commodities reported on daily basis by State Food and Civil Supply Departments from 482 price reporting centres across the country. Prices of food commodities are affected by diverse factors such as production, seasonality in crop arrivals, supply chain logistics, adverse weather conditions etc. The daily report of prices and indicative price trends are duly analysed for appropriate intervention for release of stocks from the buffer, export-import policy etc.
Ministry of Minority Affairs
NMDFC accorded a rating of A; Stable by CARE
•NMDFC one of the few PSUs in the Social Sector that has received this rating
•Expected to benefit the small credit needs of the minority community for market based enterprises
In order to increase the scale and coverage, the National Minorities Development & Finance Corporation , a section 8 “Not-for- profit” Public Sector undertaking, working under the aegis of the Ministry of Minority Affairs, Govt. of India , is planning to introduce Market Linked Lending Programme with funds borrowed from the market. NMDFC has engaged the services of M/s Care Ratings Pvt. Ltd. for Credit Rating to undertake Market Borrowing. Based on the assessment of Business Model, Strengths & Proposed credit plans of NMDFC, M/s Care Ratings Pvt. Ltd. has assigned following rating to NMDFC:-
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Facility/Instrument
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Amount 
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Rating
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Long-Term Bank Facilities
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100.00
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CARE A; Stable

NMDFC is one of the few PSUs in the Social Sector that has received this rating. Welcoming the rating, CMD Dr. Rakesh Sarwal commented that this Credit Rating by CARE will unlock commercial borrowing for NMDFC in a competitive, credible and sustainable manner to benefit the small credit needs of the minority community for market based enterprises.
The prime mandate of NMDFC is to provide concessional finance for self- employment and income generation activities to the “Backward Sections” amongst the Minority Communities, namely Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Parsis and Jains with preference being given to occupational groups & women.
NMDFC implements its schemes mainly through the State Channelizing Agencies  nominated by the respective State Government/UT Administration against State Guarantees.
Presently, NMDFC is utilizing Equity contributed by Central, State Governments and UTs, repayments and surplus generated through its operations to extend concessional credit to targeted Minority Communities.
Prime Minister's Office
PM expresses happiness over the spectacular welcome of Vande Bharat at Salem Railway Junction in Tamilnadu
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed happiness over the spectacular welcome of Vande Bharat at Salem Railway Junction in Tamilnadu by the people.
Welcoming the Vande Bharat Express with great enthusiasm people were showering flowers on the train at Salem Railway Junction.
Responding to the tweet by PIB in Tamilnadu, the Prime Minister tweeted;
"A spectacular welcome in Salem!
Such enthusiasm is common in different places the Vande Bharat Express reaches, showing the deep pride among the people of India."
Shri Modi also responded about smooth travel experience in Vande Bharat Express by Smt Vanathi Srinivasan and said;
"Wonderful!"
Ministry of Communications
Extension of premium payment period for Postal Life Insurance & Rural Postal Life Insurance till 30th June 2020
In view of the threat posed by the outbreak of Corona Virus , and the complete lockdown across India, Central/State Governments have issued several advisories and imposed restrictions on the movement of general public. Postal Life Insurance/Rural Postal Life Insurance customers are facing difficulty in approaching post offices for payment of premia inspite of the fact that many Post Offices are functional as part of essential services.
As a measure of convenience to all the PLI / RPLI customers, Directorate of Postal Life Insurance, Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications has given an extension of period for payment of their due premium of March 2020, April 2020 & May 2020 upto 30th June 2020 without charging any penalty/default fee. The decision has been taken because The Department has advised Customers registered on portal to pay premium online using PLI customer Portal.
Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
Shri Dharmendra Pradhan launches SCALE app for skill development in leather sector at Central Leather Research Institute, Chennai
Shri Dharmendra Pradhan calls for capacity building of craftsmen and connect them to opportunities in the digital space
Minister of Education and Skill Development Shri Dharmendra Pradhan today launched the SCALE  app which provides a one-stop solution for the skilling, learning, assessment, and employment needs of the leather industry, during a visit to CSIR-Central Leather Research Institute, Chennai. Leather Skill Sector Council developed Android App SCALE to change the way skill development programs are designed and delivered to the trainees in leather industry.The SCALE studio App developed by Leather SSC allows people from all age groups interested in leather craft to access online live streamed classes from the state-of-the-art studio at its office.
While speaking on the occasion, Shri Pradhan said that the leather sector plays a major role in generating large-scale employment in the country with over 44 lakh people currently working. He lauded the role of CSIR-CLRI for playing an important role in the development of this sector with a perfect blend of academics and skill development.
Shri Pradhan also spoke about the changes happening in the sector due to advent of digital technologies and environment friendly techniques, and said that this calls for a renewed impetus on skilling, re-skilling and up-skilling and drive capacity building. He said that NSDC and CSIR-CLRI will work together for addressing the skilling needs of this sector and suggested a national level capacity building program be held at CSIR-CLRI for augmenting the capacities of professionals working in this sector. He also said that the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, NSDC, CLRI and Leather Sector Skill Council will collaborate to set up Common Facility and Skilling Centre across India, including Chennai.
Shri Pradhan called upon young professionals in this sector to leverage technology, innovation, entrepreneurship to become job-creators. They must handhold craftsmen to connect them to opportunities available in the digital space including e-commerce, he further added.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Murugan said that Tamil Nadu has plenty of talented human resources and CLRI is playing a major role in skilling them. CLRI is also promoting entrepreneurship among the youth and is aiding in the setting up of many startup companies. This will enable in realizing our national goals during the on-going Amrit Kaal leading to 100 years of Indian Independence, he added.